https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/Commando+War+Graves+Memorials+and+Plaques/graves/Madagascar/
Location Information: The town of Antsiranana lies on the western shore of Diego Suarez Bay on the north-east coast of Madagascar. The War Cemetery lies about 50 metres back from the Oronjia Road, 3 kilometres south-east of the town. It is accessed by an unmade road, the turning for which is opposite the French War Cemetery on the other side of the road, and signposted from the main road.

Visiting Information: Wheelchair access possible via main entrance. For further information regarding wheelchair access, please contact our Enquiries Section on telephone number 01628 507200.

Historical Information: After the fall of France in 1940, the French possession of Madagascar, which lay across the Allied lines of communication in the Indian Ocean, became of strategic importance to the Axis powers and, later, Japan. In May 1942 the large naval base and harbour of Diego Suarez was seized in Operation 'Ironclad', the first amphibious assault undertaken by Commonwealth forces in the Second World War. Subsequent negotiations with the French Governor-General for a peaceful occupation of the rest of the island failed and in September 1942 the triple operation 'Stream Line Jane' led to the eventual capitualtion of Vichy forces at the end of October. After the occupation, about two thirds of the Allied war graves in Madagascar were brought into this war cemetery and when the war was over, most of the remaining war graves were also gathered in. Thirty-four African troops, whose graves where obliterated in accordance with local customs, are now commemorated on the East African memorial in Nairobi War Cemetery.

Diego Suarez War Cemetery contains 314 Commonwealth burials of he Second World War and one Belgian war grave.

(Source of information and photo - Commonwealth War Graves Commission)]]> en-us Gallery 2 RSS Module, version 1.1.8 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 01:39:08 +0100 120 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/d/31791-6/Madagascar.jpg https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/Commando+War+Graves+Memorials+and+Plaques/graves/Madagascar/ https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/Commando+War+Graves+Memorials+and+Plaques/graves/Madagascar/COOKE_C_H.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/Commando+War+Graves+Memorials+and+Plaques/graves/Madagascar/COOKE_C_H.jpg.html
[Photo courtesy of courtesy of Phil Jennett]

In Memory of 3774485 Private Charles Harry Cooke
East Lancashire Regiment and No.5 Commando
who died on the 10th September 1942 aged 27
Remembered with honour at Diego Suarez War Cemetery
In album Madagascar]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Sun, 12 May 2013 14:16:24 +0100 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/Commando+War+Graves+Memorials+and+Plaques/graves/Madagascar/BLAKEMORE__J__3652093+diego+suarez.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/Commando+War+Graves+Memorials+and+Plaques/graves/Madagascar/BLAKEMORE__J__3652093+diego+suarez.jpg.html
[Photo courtesy of courtesy of Phil Jennett]

In Memory of 3652093 Sergeant John Blakemore
South Lancashire Regiment and No.5 Commando
who died on the 10th September 1942 aged 28
Remembered with honour at Diego Suarez War Cemetery
In album Madagascar]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Sun, 12 May 2013 14:17:07 +0100 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/Commando+War+Graves+Memorials+and+Plaques/graves/Madagascar/WRIGHT__D_T__3656184.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/Commando+War+Graves+Memorials+and+Plaques/graves/Madagascar/WRIGHT__D_T__3656184.jpg.html
[Photo courtesy of courtesy of Phil Jennett]

In Memory of 3656184 Private Douglas Thomas Wright
South Lancashire Regiment and No.5 Commando
who died on the 10th September 1942 aged 23
Remembered with honour at Diego Suarez War Cemetery
In album Madagascar]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Sun, 12 May 2013 14:53:24 +0100 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/Commando+War+Graves+Memorials+and+Plaques/graves/Madagascar/HULMESG.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/Commando+War+Graves+Memorials+and+Plaques/graves/Madagascar/HULMESG.jpg.html
[Photo courtesy of Peni Bevan. Posted by Nick Collins]

In Memory of 3391837 Private George Hulmes,
East Lancashire Regiment & No.5 Commando
who died on the 10th September 1942 aged 22
Remembered with honour Diego Suarez War Cemetery
In album Madagascar]]> Nick Collins photo Wed, 01 May 2013 14:17:10 +0100 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/Commando+War+Graves+Memorials+and+Plaques/graves/Madagascar/Diego-Suarez.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/Commando+War+Graves+Memorials+and+Plaques/graves/Madagascar/Diego-Suarez.jpg.html
Photo souce: Commonwealth War Graves Commission
In album Madagascar]]> Nick Collins photo Wed, 01 May 2013 14:45:33 +0100